Local foodies up for a spot in the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame

Chef Aaron Chamberlin, owner of two Phoenix restaurants — St. Francis on Camelback Road and Phoenix Public Market Cafe in downtown — is one of four chefs in the running for Chef of the Year. The award is just one of the categories in the 23rd Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame Awards, which will be handed out April 13 during the Scottsdale Culinary Festival.

Chamberlin said shows like “Iron Chef” and “Chopped” are not really what he’s about, but “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” did stop by once, he told Bob McClay and Becky Lynn on News/Talk 92.3 KTAR’s Arizona’s Morning News Weekend show.

Chamberlin also said that of all the interesting things that have happened behind the kitchen door, having his grandmother cook in the kitchen of a restaurant he owns before she died is one of the most memorable experiences of his career.

The complete list of Culinary Hall of Fame nominees is on the web at Scottsdale Fest and the public is invited to cast a vote through Monday, March 17.